This publication is the first release of estimates of wheat grain stocks and use for selected manufacturing and agricultural businesses, licensed exporters and bulk grain handlers. These estimates are compiled from various surveys conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), including the Grain Handlers Stocks Survey, Wheat Use Survey, Wheat Export Sales Survey, and from administrative data relating to wheat grain exports.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) will use these data to compile a monthly report on the Australian wheat industry.

INTRODUCTION

This publication provides estimates of wheat grain stocks and of wheat grain used, or committed for export or domestic use. Estimates from these surveys are combined with final export trade data to provide monthly estimates of the volume of wheat grain stored, used, or committed for use.

The current scope and coverage of the collections is understood to account for the majority of Australia's wheat grain stored, used and committed. The scope and coverage of these collections may be expanded in the future, however, to account for a wider range of agricultural businesses.

The ABS welcomes any comments from readers regarding the usefulness, range and quality of the statistics presented in this publication. Comments can be forwarded to: The Director, Environment and Agriculture Business Statistics Centre, Australian Bureau of Statistics, GPO Box 66, Hobart TAS 7001. Alternatively, email <adrian.bugg@abs.gov.au> or phone (03) 6222 5850.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or Nigel Gibson on Hobart (03) 6222 5940.

SUMMARY COMMENTARY

WHEAT GRAIN STORED

At 30 September 2008 an estimated 2.0 million tonnes of wheat grain was stored by bulk grain handlers and selected users of wheat grain. This represented the closing stocks of wheat grain prior to the commencement of the 2008-09 harvest.

Of the wheat grain stored, 78% (1.5 million tonnes) was stored by bulk grain handlers and 22% (422 thousand tonnes) was stored by selected users of wheat grain.

Stocks of wheat grain stored by domestic users increased at the end of November 2008 following commencement of the harvest.

New South Wales domestic users had the largest quantity of wheat grain held in store.

WHEAT GRAIN USED

In the period October to December 2008, 3.5 million tonnes of wheat grain were used domestically or exported.

During this period, 2.2 million tonnes of wheat grain were exported and 1.3 million tonnes were used domestically.

The main exporting states over the period were Western Australia (with 1.4 million tonnes) and South Australia (with 344 thousand tonnes).

The highest domestic use occurred in New South Wales (582 thousand tonnes) and Victoria (315 thousand tonnes).

WHEAT GRAIN COMMITTED

At 31 December 2008, there were 3.3 million tonnes of wheat grain committed, i.e. under contract for either domestic use within Australia or for export.

Of the total wheat grain committed in Australia at 31 December 2008, 2.0 million tonnes were contracted for export and 1.3 million tonnes were contracted for domestic use.

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